Life in High Def – An Artists perception

The idea for a wire Bonsai pendant (similar to this one shown as item #30 at Step-By-Step Wire Jewelry Magazine’s website) led me on a quest to find jump rings that would allow me to complete the chain maille chain I decided to make for it.  I’d already started the chain and was about 1/2 finished when I realized I’d need to purchase more jump rings or make my own.  A stop at one store and I had a package of 500 jump rings that were slightly bigger than those I’d already been working with.  Hoping that I’d have better luck at the next store, I headed to what I can only describe as a “Gem” for bead enthusiasts and anyone else who loves being creative with beads, findings, wire and more!   Nestled among residential homes in a nice little strip mall in the Craig Henry Area, just off Greenbank Road in my favorite city – Ottawa, Canada, is a fabulous bead store called McBead Creations and here is where I found not only the right size jump rings to complete my project, but so many other wonderful things that the hour visit I enjoyed there, just wasn’t long enough and I intend to go back again very soon!

A fabulous bead store find is MY kind of chocolate!

If you are a beader, wire worker, chain maille artist, jewelry designer or just someone who loves to browse through lots and lots of wonderfully creative finds, or perhaps purchase gorgeous hand crafted jewelry for yourself or others,  you must visit this  shop!  From the moment you step inside the door you realize you’ve found an absolute goldmine of every imaginable bead, bobble, crystal, wire, finding,  pendant  – (oh the list is endless) –  that you could ever possibly hope to find all in one spot.  That isn’t were this treasure store ends however.  The staff is exceptional!  Like long, lost friends they greet you warmly and do everything possible to ensure your shopping experience with them is one you’ll enjoy. Continue reading →